Interviews

KDB: Carabao Cup final win was vital

Meanwhile, over at the BBC, Phil McNulty is keen to highlight the impact three of City’s more seasoned campaigners had on the Wembley proceedings.

He writes: As well as Kompany, this EFL Cup victory was shaped by the predatory instincts of Aguero, still a world-class striker at 29.

“The Argentine set City on their way with his usual expertise as he took full advantage of flimsy defending from Arsenal's Mustafi.

“And it was another member of the old guard, 32-year-old Silva, who provided his usual range of subtlety and creation in midfield, completing the win with a thumping finish across Ospina.

“Guardiola's first silverware in England ushers in the new era for City - but he has wisely retained the battle-hardened core of the club's previous successes.”

For Anthony Jepson at the Manchester Evening News, it was not just the trademark intricate passing of the second half which most impressed, but City’s efforts without the ball too.

He reports: “Arsenal may be one of the few teams around capable of emulating City in terms of their passing, but Pep Guardiola's men have so much more in their armoury.

“And they showed it at Wembley.

“While the Gunners never convinced with their organisation or effort, City, in the image of their coach, showed steel to go with their silk, defending with the same relentless passion as they attacked, right to the death.

“With or without the ball, City never stop working and that as much as their cool, efficient possession game, will give their manager belief this is the first of many trophies.”